Abstract: Particulate styrene polymers containing blowing agents are prepared by a process in which an aliphatic hydrocarbon of 7 to 9 carbon atoms is added in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, based on the styrene polymer, before, during or after the polymerization. The particulate styrene polymers can be processed to foam blocks and moldings having a satisfactory smooth surface.

Abstract: Particulate expandable styrene polymers having short minimum molding times which are coated with from 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, based on the expandable styrene polymer, of a mono- and/or poly-urethane melting below 150.degree. C. and obtained by reaction ofI (a) aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aliphatic-cycloaliphatic, araliphatic and aromatic mono- and/or poly-isocyanates with(b) linear or branched monoalcohols of from 2 to 24 carbon atoms which may or may not be olefinically unsaturated and/or halogenated, or mixtures of such monoalcohols and(c) optionally dihydric to tetrahydric alcohols,the ratio of NCO groups to the total number of hydroxyl groups being from 0.25 to approximately 1:1 and the molar ratio of dihydric to tetrahydric alcohols (if used) to polyisocyanates being not more than 0.